Preliminary CPI data shows softer price growth, easing pressure on the ECB for immediate rate cuts.
France’s June preliminary consumer price index rose 1.8% year-over-year, missing the 2.1% consensus forecast. The print marks a slowdown from May’s 2.4% increase, signaling cooling inflationary pressures in the eurozone’s second-largest economy.
Harmonized inflation (HICP) also undershot expectations at 2.0% y/y, down from 2.8% in the prior month. Analysts had anticipated a 2.3% rise, reflecting persistent but moderating price trends.
The data may reinforce expectations for European Central Bank policy easing later this year, though core inflation metrics remain under scrutiny.